Fuerza del Este Campaign Aims to Revitalize East Charlotte Small Businesses

A new campaign is working to restore economic stability and confidence among East Charlotte’s locally owned businesses following widespread disruptions caused by a recent federal immigration enforcement operation.

The initiative, Fuerza del Este (translated as Strength in Every Storefront), encourages residents to shop and dine at participating East Charlotte establishments throughout the month of December. The effort is led by CharlotteEast, a community development nonprofit, in response to the loss of business caused by the temporary closure of dozens of immigrant-owned stores and restaurants.

The Impact

More than 400 independent businesses operate in East Charlotte, and an estimated 70% are first- or second-generation immigrant-owned. During the Border Patrol activity, approximately half of those businesses closed for at least one day, with many shutting down for multiple days. Businesses reported average losses of $2,500 per day due to decreased customer traffic and safety concerns among delivery workers and patrons.

How the Program Works

To support recovery, Fuerza del Este is offering an incentive-based program that rewards customers who spend money locally:

- Spend $25–$49 to receive a $50 gift card
- Spend $50 or more to receive a $100 gift card

Customers simply upload their receipts from participating businesses to the campaign portal here:
👉 Submit your receipt for a gift card

The campaign runs through December 31 and is open to anyone who shops or dines at eligible East Charlotte businesses.

Highlighted Restaurants

East Charlotte’s culinary scene reflects a rich blend of global traditions, and many of its restaurants are part of the campaign. Here are 15 featured businesses participating in Fuerza del Este:

- Manolo’s Bakery – Latin American bakery and community hub
- Tacos el Nevado – Authentic Mexican street-style tacos
- Queen Sheba Ethiopian – Traditional Ethiopian fare and injera
- The Bodega Deli – Latin American deli and takeout restaurant
- Lang Van – Vietnamese dishes and pho favorites
- Pho Quynh Restaurant – Vietnamese noodles, banh mi, and tea
- Curry Gate of East – Indian and Nepali curry dishes
- Panaderia La Espiga – Mexican breads and pastries
- Delicias Restaurante Latino – Latin cuisine and homemade plates
- Mariscos Nayarit – Coastal-style Mexican seafood
- Taqueria Express – Fast-casual Mexican food with loyal locals
- Sen Mee Noodle House – Southeast Asian noodle soups and stir-fry
- La Morenita Bakery – Salvadoran bakery and café
- Antojitos Catrachos – Honduran street food classics
- Why Not Pizza – Local pizzeria with bold flavors

These businesses reflect the resilience and cultural richness of East Charlotte. Supporting them helps reinvest in a local economy shaped by diverse communities and hardworking entrepreneurs.

How to Help

Residents are encouraged to visit local shops and restaurants, try something new, and upload their receipts through the official campaign page. Every purchase, big or small, helps rebuild stability for the families and workers behind these businesses.

To participate and view full campaign details:
👉 Fuerza del Este Campaign Portal